May 6th 2026

A very good morning to you, is it really Wednesday already? Where does it all go? Would you believe it? This is the three thousand five hundred and seventy third Wednesday of my life!!! Thought you might like to know that. On this momentous Wednesday I will be spending time at Rookswood Road from 09:30-11:00 where our housegroup will be wrapping up our study of the book of Romans. Join us if you wish, you will be most welcome. 

Okay then, Romans chapter 16 - what’s it all about?

Well, Paul begins this chapter by sending greetings to all the people that have supported, encouraged, prayed for and educated him in his personal journey of faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. I think I’m going to do the same. Not here and now but when i have an hour or so to write them all down. Why don’t you try it? It could be very enlightening. Have a go. At least read this chapter, it is model of showing gratitude for those that have guided our own journey and that glorifies God. 

Paul then goes on to sum up this letter (for those of us who lost interest and gave up during the first few chapters!!). 

Beware, he says, of people (I do detest the way we use that collective noun) that cause divisions and teach things contrary to what you have been taught. That sounds a bit squiffy doesn’t it? Some folk we meet, sometimes in church but mostly those who oppose our faith, use smooth words and fancy phrases that can sound very convincing the devil uses them to deceive and undermine us by stealth. Everyone should see that you are obedient to the Lord so be wise and stay true to what you know is right. I’m thinking here of those who profess to communicate with ‘spirits’ or who use ‘science’ to cast seeds of doubt, I’m thinking of the times when we are vulnerable and questioning the way God appears to ignore our prayers. This is the work of satan but the God of peace will crush him under our feet. 

Paul’s final words in this chapter and letter send more greetings on behalf of his ‘fellow workers’. One short verse is from a chap named Tertius, the scribe writing for Paul, who appears to feel left out that Paul hadn’t mentioned him, so he sends his greetings also - maybe we’ve all felt a bit like that (says he, looking in the mirror!)

Finally this is what it’s all about…

All glory to God who is able to make you strong… Jesus Christ has revealed his plan for you… so that you too might believe and obey Him. All glory to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ forever. Amen

May God forgive my abbreviations. Please read this short, uplifting chapter and keep the message close to your heart, not because Chris says so but because we need to remember. 

If you’ve got this far, thank you and I pray that I will be able to greet you on my 3574th Wednesday.

We start a new book to study next week - it’s not been chosen yet - if there is a book ( in the Bible!) that you would like us to look at please let me know, even if you are not able to join us every Wednesday. 

May our God bless you (and me) mightily in the things that matter to Him. Amen